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I recommend a first checkup by 12
months old to make certain that teeth and jaw development are
normal, and even more importantly so that parents and guardians
know how to help their children be healthy from the start.
Guidelines
for working with children
- parents / guardians are always
welcome in the room
- comfort is always our concern
- parent / guardian consent and
guidance are vital, before any procedure
- no restraint is ever
used
First Visit
I
recommend a first checkup by 12 months. A simple guide for
when to schedule a first visit:
- no longer than 6 months after
first tooth is erupted
- at least by 12 months old
- as soon as possible if you
have any questions
There is a significant value for
early well baby dental checkups. In particular, checkups for
very young children address many concerns including teaching
adults how to care for their child's teeth and gums, how to help
their children learn to care for themselves, answering parents
questions and concerns, and planning for future dental health.
Checkups
Education and prevention are the
cornerstones of my concern for the dental health of children.
In addition to teaching parents and guardians about dental care
for their child, checkups are an appropriate time to comfortably
and easily evaluate:
- how many teeth
- are all teeth
present
- loose teeth
- cavity check
- check health of gums
- braces / bite
evaluation
- habit evaluation
- homecare /
prevention
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- fluoride use
- review diet
- review health
history
- evaluate tongue,
speech
- address adult's
concerns
- teach adults how to
care for child's teeth
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One child at a
time, please ...
I've found that it's to your
child's advantage, as well as yours, to bring only one of your
children at a time for their appointment. This way they get
your full attention. Thank you in advance for this
consideration.
Home Dental
Care Tips
It is often difficult initially
to brush your child's teeth. They can really put up a
struggle, screaming, kicking, crying, running away, not opening
their mouths - every kid is different.
Healthy teeth and gums are so
important to start out life with. We've often heard the
value of choosing your battles with your children, and this is one
to choose.
Remember that the initial
challenge you face is actually more taxing on you than it
ultimately is for your child.
Suggestions:
let your child brush
first when teaching them, then help them with their
brushing
don't be concerned
at first with trying to brush all the teeth at each
session
reinforce your
teaching with positive role modeling, make sure your
child sees you brush and floss regularly - they will
want to mimic you
go ahead and begin
to floss their teeth (Wild
Flossers really help make it easier)
let them play with a
toothbrush anywhere in the house so that they are
comfortable with it (monitor - not to let them run
around with it unwatched)
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